Cosmetic applicator

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic package comprising a cosmetic applicator for applying a product including a cosmetic, care, or pharmaceutical product onto the keratinous substrate. The cosmetic applicator comprises an application member that includes a flexible zone at a proximal portion of the application member. The flexible zone further includes at least two horizontal grooves that extend on a first face of the application member, and at least two horizontal grooves that extend on a second face opposite to the first face. When a pressure is exerted on the application member during the application of the cosmetic product, the flexible zone enables the application member to flex towards either the first face or the second face.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to IndianProvisional Patent Application No. 202011013451, filed on Mar. 27, 2020,and Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202011015538, filed onApr. 9, 2020. The disclosure of each of these applications isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a cosmetic applicator forapplying a product including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product,onto keratinous substrate such as skin, lips, under eyes, eyelids,cheeks, nails or any other part of the body.

Description of the Related Art

Many Cosmetic applicators in particular for application to the facialskin or lips are generally available in different packaged in reservoirsof an elongate shape and of a small size, provided with an applicator orapplication member; the reservoir-product-applicator unit is generallycalled a cosmetic package. Certain applicators exist for dispensingcosmetic or medicinal products. Such devices usually consists of acontainer carrying cosmetic or medicinal products, a delivery mechanismfor displacement of the cosmetic or medicinal products, and anapplicator. For example, in the medical industry, applicators areemployed for applying medicinal products, such as ointments, to portionsof the body. In the cosmetics and personal care industries, applicatorsare used to apply lipstick, lip balm, skin creams, lotions, and othercosmetic products to portions of the body.

These cosmetic applicators are desirably designed to provide theconsumer user with the perception that the applicator is soft in itsfeel on the skin. In foam applicators, e.g. such as applicators tippedwith a latex foam or other foam, the sensation of softness is providedby the resilience of the foam. However, such foam applicators are not asdurable as might be desired, and foam, particularly latex foam, is arelatively expensive element for use in a cosmetic applicator. It wouldbe desirable to permit the use of lower-cost, non-foam materials, suchas low density polyethylene (“LDPE”) and high density polyethylene(“HDPE”), and polyesters such as HYTREL® polyester, or polypropylene orelastomers, in cosmetic applicators, if the applicator could be designedto provide a feel that the consumer did not find excessively hard whenused on facial skin. Plastic applicators coated with flocking have beenused, however, they do not have the same soft feel as foam tippedapplicators. In some designs they are perceived by the consumer user ashaving a hard, unpleasant feel. Tubular containers having applicatorwhose angle can be adjusted according to the contour of skin are alreadyknown.

Commonly, a cosmetic applicator is provided at the end of a stem carriedby a cap which seats on and closes the mouth or opening of a container,the cosmetic applicator being immersed in the cosmetic materialcontained in the container when the cap is in the container-closingposition. The cap serves as a handle for the user when the cosmeticapplicator, bearing a quantity of the cosmetic product, is withdrawnfrom the container and applied to the skin. Applicators for cosmetics orother substances, such as drugs, are known in various designs and forms.For example, reference is made to the U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,598, the U.S.Pat. No. 6,220,254 and the U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,431.

KR101411990B1 discloses a tube body which stores contents and isprovided with a discharging part so as to discharge contents at an upperportion thereof; a support body which is coupled to the discharging partand forms a contents movement passage at an interior thereof; anapplicator which is coupled, encasing an upper portion of the supportbody and applies contents onto user's facial skin, forming a contentsdischarging hole which is connected with the contents movement passage;and an over cap which is coupled to the discharging part, encasing thesupport body. The support body is composed of an elastic material, has astructure wherein the upper portion thereof can be rotated 360 degreeson an axis of a lower portion thereof such that the angle of theapplicator can be changed according to the contour of the skin.

However, the registered patent has a problem wherein assimilability withthe applicator decreases due to deformation of the support body made ofelastic material, thereby causing the applicator to be easily separated.

Thus, there exists a need for a cosmetic applicator which provides asoft feel on skin of a user during application and which flexes in atleast two opposing directions.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cosmetic packagethat can be easily configured to contain a product and a cosmeticapplicator.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cosmeticapplicator that is very simple to use, economical to manufacture, andaesthetically pleasing.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cosmeticapplicator that provides a soft feel on the skin of a user duringapplication.

It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a cosmeticapplicator that a soft application experience during use.

Accordingly, there is provided a cosmetic package comprising a cosmeticapplicator coupled to a housing. The housing is configured to contain aproduct including a cosmetic, care, or pharmaceutical product. Thecosmetic applicator includes an application member at its distal portionand a connector at its proximal portion. Further, the application membercomprises a flexible zone is formed at a proximal portion of theapplication member and a dispensing surface is formed at a portion of adistal portion of the application member. The application member isconfigured to flex in at least two opposite directions due to thepresence of the flexible zone, when pressure is exerted on theapplication member during the application of the cosmetic product. Theflexible zone includes at least two horizontal grooves on a first faceof the application member that comprises the dispensing surface and atleast two horizontal grooves on a second face opposite to the firstface.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the cosmetic, care, orpharmaceutical product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrowpowder, lip gloss, hair color, cheek blush, skin care, under eyecosmetics, pharmaceutical and like products.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the cosmetic packageincludes a cap that encapsulates the cosmetic applicator when thecosmetic package is not in use and may include a plug that seals adispensing aperture of the cosmetic applicator. The cap is configured tocouple to the housing such as by the use of a snap-fit attachment, athreaded attachment, a press or friction fit, one or more hinges, or anyother suitable means of attachment.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicationmember and the connector of the cosmetic applicator are formedintegrally to decrease manufacturing costs, or for any other desiredreason.

In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector of thecosmetic applicator is connected to an upper portion of the housing toseal the opening of the housing. In alternate embodiments, the connectorof the cosmetic applicator is connected to the housing by a collar orany other part which is fixed to the housing.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the connector may havesuitable connecting features on its outer surface or inner surfaces forfitment to the housing and wherein the connector of the cosmeticapplicator may be coupled to the housing by snap-fitment, crimping,adhesive, threads, press-fit, retaining ribs or barbs or by any othersuitable attachment means.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cosmeticapplicator is preferably formed of an elastomeric material e.g. in amaterial selected from the following list: elastomers; thermoplasticelastomers. However, in alternate embodiments, the cosmetic applicatormay be formed from any suitable flexible material known in the art.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the application memberextends along a central longitudinal axis between a proximal end and adistal end.

Further, at least a portion of an outer surface of the distal portion ofthe application member is the dispensing surface and the rest of theouter surface of the distal portion of the application member is ablending surface. The application member includes the dispensingaperture and a product delivery passageway to transport the cosmeticproduct housed in the housing onto the dispensing surface via thedispensing aperture.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, theapplication member includes at least four faces, namely the first face,the second face opposing the first face, a third face, and a fourth faceopposite the third face. The dispensing surface is defined at a distalend surface of the application member on the first face. At least aportion of an outer surface of the application member on the second facedefines the blending surface.

Further, the flexible zone includes at least two horizontal grooveslocated at the proximal portion of the application member both on thefirst face and the second face of the application member. According toan aspect of the embodiment, the at least two horizontal grooves on thefirst face extend in a complete width of the first face, and similarly,the at least two horizontal grooves on the second face extend in acomplete width of the second face of the application member. The atleast two horizontal grooves of the first face are in alignment with theat least two horizontal grooves on the second face of the applicationmember. The at least two horizontal grooves on the first face and thesecond face allow the application member to flex toward the first faceand the second face when pressure is exerted on the second face and thefirst face respectively during the application of the cosmetic productagainst the keratinous substrate. Particularly, the application memberflexes away from the central longitudinal axis of the application memberdue to the presence of the flexible zone during its application againstthe keratinous substrate to exert optimum pressure during theapplication of the application member onto the keratinous substrate.When the application pressure ceases, the application memberautomatically returns to its original position.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the application memberis substantially inflexible toward the third face and the fourth face ofthe application member.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the flow of theproduct through the product delivery passageway of the applicationmember is not hindered when the application member flexes towards thefirst face or the second face during application.

The presence of the flexible zone of the application member providessoftness on the application. Due to the presence of the flexible zone,contact of the application member with the keratinous substrate iselastic, pleasant, and comfortable. At the time of application, thecontact between the application member and the keratinous substrate issoftened and the elasticity of the flexible zone of the cosmeticapplicator proves to be beneficial for the application of the cosmeticproduct.

According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, theapplication member is constituted to have an approximatelycylindrical-shape, and has an inclined distal end surface. The inclineddistal end surface of the application member defines the dispensingsurface of the application member. More particularly, the dispensingsurface is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and isconvexly curved in a longitudinal direction. However, in alternateembodiments, the dispensing surface may not be curved and inclined andmay be of any other shape known in the art.

According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, thedispensing surface has a drop shaped surface with a pointed tip definedat the distal end of the application member. More particularly, aperipheral edge of the dispensing surface of the application member hasa drop shape. The pointed tip of the application member is particularlyadvantageous, as it helps in reaching corners or areas of the keratinoussubstrate which are difficult to reach. However, in alternateembodiments, the application member, the dispensing surface may be ofany other shape known in the art and the tip may not be pointed.

According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, thedispensing aperture is round in shape. However, in alternateembodiments, the dispensing aperture may take any shape or form so longas it provides an effective conduit to dispense out the cosmeticproduct.

Further, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure,the dispensing surface extends at least up to 15% of a length of theapplication member and at most up to 85% of the length of theapplication member on the first face. The dispensing surface extendsfrom the pointed tip up to a certain length of the application member.Particularly, the dispensing surface may extend from the pointed tip upto 70% of the length of the application member and has an angular spanin a range of 20 degrees to 120 degrees around the central longitudinalaxis of the application member. More particularly, the dispensingsurface extends from the pointed tip up to 50% of the length of theapplication member.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least 60% of theouter surface of the distal portion of the application member is theblending surface and the dispensing surface extends over a remainingportion of the outer surface of the application member.

According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, thedispensing surface is offset relative to the blending surface of theapplication member of the cosmetic applicator because of a break inslope of the dispensing surface. In various embodiments, not shown, abreak in slope, a discontinuity, an axial or angular offset may beprovided between or on either one of the dispensing surface and theblending surface of the application member. Thus, the dispensing surfaceand the blending surface of the application member are both shaped sothat, when applying the application member onto the keratinoussubstrate, the dispensing aperture dispenses on the dispensing surface,and hence the cosmetic product can be applied onto the keratinoussubstrate, without the blending surface coming in contact with thedispensing surface simultaneously. Further, the applied cosmetic productonto the keratinous substrate can be blended by using the blendingsurface of the application member which comes into contact with thekeratinous substrate by turning the cosmetic package by a hand of theuser. The blending surface on the application member blends the cosmeticproduct using swiping or patting gesture onto the keratinous substrate,which is dispensed on the dispensing surface. Therefore, a voluntarymanipulation of the hand of the user should be performed to turn thecosmetic package in order to change the orientation thereof relative tothe dispensing surface and the blending surface of the applicationmember.

According to an aspect of the first embodiment, the dispensing aperturein the dispensing surface is coaxial with the central longitudinal axisof the cosmetic applicator. However, in alternate embodiments, thedispensing aperture in the dispensing surface may be offset relative tothe central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator.

The present disclosure is not limited by the shape of the applicationmember. For example, a cosmetic applicator according to a secondembodiment of the present disclosure comprises an application memberhaving a distal portion that is substantially spherical in shape. Adispensing surface is defined on a portion of the spherical distalportion of the application member and the rest of the portion of thedistal portion of the application member defines a blending surface. Inthe second embodiment, the dispensing surface of the application memberhas an angular span in a range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees around thecentral longitudinal axis of the cosmetic applicator, and wherein thedispensing surface is inclined and is concavely curved in a longitudinaldirection.

Further, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure,the dispensing surface extends longitudinally on the distal portion ofthe application member and extends at least up to 40% of a length of theapplication member on the distal portion. A proximal portion of theapplication member is cylindrical in shape and comprises a flexible zonecomprising at least two horizontal grooves that extend on a first faceof the application member and at least two horizontal grooves on thesecond face opposite to the first face of the application member. Adistal portion of the first face also defines the dispensing surface andthe second face defines a major portion of the blending surface of theapplication member.

According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, theapplication member comprises a rounded tip at a distal end of theapplication member, and wherein the dispensing surface does not extendup to the distal end of the application member.

According to an aspect of the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the dispensing surface and a dispensing aperture on thedispensing surface both are of a drop shape, and wherein the dispensingaperture is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the cosmeticapplicator.

Moreover, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a portion orthe entire dispensing surface and the blending surface may be texturedto provide a desirable feel to a user. For example, a cosmeticapplicator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure hassurface features on a dispensing surface of an application member. Moreparticularly, the dispensing surface comprises multiple massaging ribs.

Furthermore, the massaging ribs may surround a dispensing apertureformed on the dispensing surface of the application member. Themassaging ribs are disposed on the dispensing surface in a yin yang likefashion, however, in alternate embodiments, the massaging ribs may bedisposed on the dispensing surface in any other manner. According to anaspect of the third embodiment, the shape of the dispensing surface isan inverse drop shape, and wherein the dispensing surface extends up toa distal end of the application member and defines a rounded distal tipat the distal end of the application member. Like other embodiments, adistal portion of the application member has an inclined distal endsurface that defines the dispensing surface, and wherein the rest of anouter surface of the distal portion of the application member defines ablending surface. A proximal portion of the application member includesa flexible zone.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion ofthe application member may be flocked with fibers. Further, an entireouter surface of the application member may be flocked with fibers. Thefibers for flocking which may be of any commonly used material, such asnylon, polyester or any natural fiber are applied with an adhesive, suchas an epoxy, to the surface to be flocked. The flocking finish to theouter surface of the application member may be achieved by anappropriately chosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking.The outer surface of the application member before being flocked may besmooth on its entire surface. Preferably, the flocking process takesplace in an electrostatic field, which results in the proper orientationof the fibers. The flock on the outer surface of the application memberprovides a convenient “reservoir” that can hold a small amount of thecosmetic product adequate for one or two applications.

In yet alternate embodiments of the present disclosure, at least aportion of the outer surface of the application members may not becovered by the flock coating, for example, the dispensing surface of theapplication members may not be covered by a flock coating. In yetalternate embodiments, an entire outer surface of the application membermay not be covered by the flock coating.

In some embodiments, the flexible zone is also covered with flocking andin particularly, the two horizontal grooves on the first and the secondfaces of the cosmetic applicator also have flocked disposed therein.

The present disclosure is not limited by a shape of the dispensingsurface and the blending surface of the application member, and whereinin various embodiments, the dispensing surface and the blending surfacemay include planar, convex, and/or concave surface features.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the housing may haveany type of suitable dispensing means for transporting the cosmeticproduct housed in the housing to the dispensing surface of the cosmeticapplicator. For example, the dispensing means may include an airlesspump mechanism.

According to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, thecosmetic product may be transported through the product deliverypassageway of the cosmetic applicator by rotating the housing such thatthe cosmetic product is dispensed through the cosmetic applicator by wayof a check valve comprised of a ball and a spring.

According to yet another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure,the cosmetic product may be transported through the product deliverypassageway by using a click or a reverse click operation, whereby theuser may operate the cosmetic package by moving the cosmetic applicatorrelative to the housing in either a clockwise or counterclockwisedirection.

According to yet another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure,the cosmetic product may be transported through the product deliverypassageway by squeezing. When pressure is applied to the housingcontaining the reservoir, the cosmetic product in the reservoir may beforced by the squeezing action, through the cosmetic applicator via aproduct delivery passageway for application to the user's skin.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the cosmeticpackage is comprised of a separate cosmetic applicator and housing.However, in alternate embodiments, to decrease manufacturing costs, orfor any other desired reason, the cosmetic applicator and some or all ofthe housing may be formed integrally.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the housing and thecap may be made of a rigid material like glass, metal, plastic or anyother material known in the art. However, in alternate embodiments, thehousing and the cap may be made of a flexible material like flexiblepolymeric material or any other material known in the art.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing is ofan elongated cylindrical configuration. However, in alternateembodiments, the housing may be of an elongated square, polygonalconfiguration, oval, triangular, heart, or any other configuration knownin the art.

According to an aspect of the third embodiment, the cosmetic applicatormay not have a product delivery passageway extending there through andmay be configured to be directly dipped in to a receptacle of thecosmetic package containing a cosmetic product. The cosmetic packageassociated with the fourth embodiment, comprises the receptacle forholding a product and an applicator assembly. The applicator assemblycomprises the cosmetic applicator, a stem, and a cap. The cap hasthreads that can be screwed onto threads, formed on a neck of thereceptacle. The cosmetic applicator is retained at a distal end of thestem for applying the product; and the cap at a proximal end of thestem. Like other embodiment, the cosmetic applicator according to thefourth embodiment comprises a flexible zone near the proximal portionthereof, which enables the flocked application member to flex from theproximal portion during application. The flexible zone includes at leasttwo pairs of opposing horizontal grooves on two opposing faces of theapplication member. A wiper may be provided in the neck of thereceptacle for wiping off excess product from the cosmetic applicator.

According to the fourth embodiment, the cosmetic applicator comprisesthe application member at its distal portion and a connector at itsproximal portion. The connector is configured to be received andretained within the longitudinal cavity of the stem. Further, an outersurface of the application member may be flocked.

According to an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the application memberis elongated along a central longitudinal axis of the cosmeticapplicator. The applying member is elongated, that is to say its extentin a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis is larger thanits largest extension perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis.Particularly, the largest extension of the applying member in thedirection parallel to the central longitudinal axis by at least a factorof 1.5, more preferably is greater by at least a factor of 2 than thegreatest extension of the applying member in a direction perpendicularto the central longitudinal axis.

According to yet another aspect of the fourth embodiment, theapplication member includes at least two opposite faces, namely a firstface and a second face opposite to the first face. The flexible zone onthe application member includes at least two horizontal grooves whichextend along a width of the first face of the application member and atleast two horizontal grooves which extend along a width of the secondface of the application member. Further, the at least two horizontalgrooves of the first face are in alignment with the at least twohorizontal grooves on the second face of the application member. The atleast two horizontal grooves on the first face and the at least twohorizontal grooves on the second face allow the application member toflex toward the first face and the second face, when a pressure isexerted on the second face and the first face respectively duringapplication of the cosmetic product against the keratinous substrate.Particularly, the application member flexes away from a centrallongitudinal axis of the application member due to the presence of theflexible zone during its application against the keratinous substrate toexert optimum pressure during application of the application member ontothe keratinous substrate. When the application pressure ceases, theapplication member automatically returns to its original position.

According to an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the application memberfurther comprises a third face and a fourth face substantially oppositeto the third face. The application member is substantially inflexibletoward the third face and the fourth face of the application member. Theat least two horizontal grooves of the first face and at least twohorizontal grooves of the second face form at least two pairs ofopposing horizontal grooves, namely a first pair of opposing horizontalgrooves and a second pair of opposing horizontal grooves. The first pairof opposing horizontal grooves define a first region of reducedthickness on the application member and the first region of reducedthickness is defined at the proximal end portion of the applicationmember. Similarly, the second pair of opposing horizontal groovesdefines a second region of reduced thickness on the application member.Thus, the at least two opposing horizontal grooves define at least tworegions of reduced thickness on the application member. Further, thefirst region of reduced thickness on the application member liesadjacent to the stem and has a thickness less than a thickness of aportion of the stem that lies immediately adjacent to the applicationmember. Preferably, the first region of reduced thickness has athickness at least two times less than the thickness of the portion ofthe stem that lies immediately adjacent to the application member. Thefirst region of reduced thickness and the second region of reducedthickness are separated axially by a portion of the application memberwhich has a thickness greater than the thicknesses of the first regionof reduced thickness and the second region of reduced thickness.

According to an aspect of the fourth embodiment, the flexible zone isalso covered with flocking and in particular, the two horizontal grooveson the first face and the two horizontal grooves on the second face ofthe application member also have flocked disposed therein.

According to alternate embodiments, application member of the presentdisclosure comprises more than two horizontal grooves both on the firstface and on the second face, and wherein the horizontal grooves on eachof the first face and the second face are uniformly spaced. However, inyet other alternate embodiments, the horizontal grooves on the firstface and on the second face may not be uniformly spaced.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, through theat least two horizontal grooves on the first face and at least twohorizontal grooves on the second face, a kind of reservoir for theproduct may be provided in the applying member. The reservoir can be ofthe shape of the at least two horizontal grooves on the first face andat least two horizontal grooves on the second face and is able to storesufficient amount of the product, which when using the applying membercan significantly reduce the frequency of rewetting the applying member.

According to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, theapplication member is constituted to have an approximatelycylindrical-shape which has an inclined distal end surface. However, inalternate embodiments, the application member may have any othercross-section and shape, and may not have an inclined distal endsurface.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicationmember is preferably formed of an elastomeric material e.g. in amaterial selected from the following list: elastomers; thermoplasticelastomers. However, in alternate embodiments, the application membermay be formed from any suitable flexible material known in the art.

Further, the first face and the opposing second face of the applicationmember may also have different surface properties, in particularapplication properties.

According to an embodiment, receptacle and the cap may be made of arigid material like glass, metal, plastic or any other material known inthe art. However, in alternate embodiments, the receptacle and the capmay be made of a flexible material like flexible polymeric material orany other material known in the art.

According to an embodiment, the receptacle is of an elongatedcylindrical configuration. However, in alternate embodiments, thereceptacle may be of an elongated square, polygonal configuration, oval,triangular, heart, or any other configuration known in the art.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem can havea longitudinal axis that is rectilinear. However, in alternateembodiments, it could be curved.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a longitudinalaxis of the stem coincides with the central longitudinal axis of theapplication member. However, in alternate embodiments, the longitudinalaxis of the stem may not coincide with the central longitudinal axis ofthe application member.

According to fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, the cosmeticapplicator may at a distal portion of the application member includes acavity on at least one of the faces of the application member forprecise application, for example on the corners of eyes and lips. Thecavity may be a concave cavity. The cavity is spaced apart from aflexible zone of the application member.

It will be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of theprinciples of the disclosure, and that various modifications can be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spiritof the disclosure. For example, the shapes and/or sizes of variouscomponents can be different from the shapes and sizes described herein.As another example, the materials used for various components can bedifferent from those mentioned specifically herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of theattendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a cosmetic package in an openposition with a cap removed according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator of thecosmetic package of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic applicator ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG.2 with flocking on its outer surface;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator accordingto a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a back view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicatoraccording to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross sectional view of a cosmetic packageequipped with a cosmetic applicator according to a fourth embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator of thecosmetic package of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 illustrates a back view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the cosmetic applicator of thecosmetic package of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of a cosmetic applicator according to afifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of the cosmetic applicator ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 illustrates a back view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 illustrates a top view of the cosmetic applicator of FIG. 23;and

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the cosmetic applicator ofFIG. 21 along with flocking on its outer surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate likeor corresponding parts.

Throughout this specification, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,”“comprising” and the like, shall consistently mean that a collection ofobjects is not limited to those objects specifically recited.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a cosmetic package 100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmeticpackage 100 comprises a housing 20 and a cosmetic applicator 10according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The housing20 comprises a reservoir (not shown) for containing a product (notshown) including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product. Thecosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product includes viscous cosmetics,mascara, eyebrow powder, lip gloss, hair color, cheek blush, skin care,under eye cosmetics, pharmaceutical and like products.

The cosmetic package 100 includes a cap 30 that encapsulates thecosmetic applicator 10 when the cosmetic package 100 is not in use andmay include a plug (not shown) that seals a dispensing aperture 12 a ofthe cosmetic applicator 10. The cap 30 is configured to couple to thehousing 20 such as by the use of a snap-fit attachment, a threadedattachment, a press or friction fit, one or more hinges, or any othersuitable means of attachment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the cosmetic applicator 10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cosmeticapplicator 10 comprises an application member 4, and a connector 6. Moreparticularly, the application member 4 is located at a distal portion ofthe cosmetic applicator 10 and the connector 6 is located at a proximalportion of the cosmetic applicator 10. The application member 4 includesa flexible zone 5 formed at a proximal portion of the application member4.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicationmember 4 and the connector 6 of the cosmetic applicator 10 are formedintegrally to decrease manufacturing costs, or for any other desiredreason.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cosmeticapplicator 10 is preferably formed of an elastomeric material e.g. in amaterial selected from the following list: elastomers; thermoplasticelastomers. However, in alternate embodiments, the cosmetic applicator10 may be formed from any suitable flexible material known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 3 & 4, the application member 4 extends along acentral longitudinal axis X between a proximal end 7 a and a distal end7 b. The application member 4 includes a proximal portion 17 a and adistal portion 17 b. The flexible zone 5 is provided on the applicationmember 4 at a proximal portion 17 a of the application member 4. Adispensing surface 14 and a blending surface 15 are defined on thedistal portion 17 b of the application member 4. Particularly, at leasta portion of an outer surface of the distal portion 17 b of theapplication member 4 is the dispensing surface 14 and the rest of theouter surface of the distal portion 17 b of the application member 4 isthe blending surface 15.

Further, the application member 4 includes the dispensing aperture 12 aand a product delivery passageway 12 b to transport the cosmetic producthoused in the housing 20 onto the dispensing surface 14 via thedispensing aperture 12 a, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, the application member 4 includes atleast four faces, namely a first face 4 a, a second face 4 b opposingthe first face 4 a, a third face 4 c, and a fourth face 4 d opposite thethird face 4 c (not shown). The dispensing surface 14 is defined at adistal end surface of the application member 4 on the first face 4 a.Also, the flexible zone 5 includes at least two horizontal grooves 18located at the proximal portion 17 a of the application member 4 both onthe first face 4 a and the second face 4 b of the application member 4.The at least two horizontal grooves 18 on the first face 4 a extend in acomplete width of the first face 4 a and similarly, at least twohorizontal grooves 18 on the second face 4 b extend in a complete widthof the second face 4 b of the application member 4. The at least twohorizontal grooves 18 of the first face 4 a are in alignment with the atleast two horizontal grooves 18 on the second face 4 b of theapplication member

The at least two horizontal grooves 18 on the first face 4 a and thesecond face 4 b allow the application member 4 to flex toward the firstface 4 a and the second face 4 b, when a pressure is exerted on thesecond face 4 b and the first face 4 a respectively during applicationof the cosmetic product. Particularly, the application member 4 flexesaway from the longitudinal X due to the presence of the flexible zone 5during its application against the keratinous substrate to exert optimumpressure during application of the application member 4 onto thekeratinous substrate. When the application pressure ceases, theapplication member 4 automatically returns to its original position thatis the central longitudinal axis X of the application member 4.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the application member4 is substantially inflexible toward the third face 4 c and the fourthface 4 d of the application member 4.

The presence of the flexible zone 5 of the application member 4 providessoftness on the application. Due to the presence of the flexible zone 5,contact of the application member 4 with the keratinous substrate iselastic, pleasant, and comfortable. At the time of application, thecontact between the application member 4 and the keratinous substrate issoftened and the elasticity of the flexible zone 5 of the cosmeticapplicator 10 proves to be beneficial for the application of thecosmetic product.

The application member 4 according to a first embodiment of the presentdisclosure is shown in FIGS. 2-7. The application member 4 isconstituted to have an approximately cylindrical-shape, and an inclineddistal end surface. The inclined distal end surface of the applicationmember 4 is the dispensing surface 14. As shown in FIG. 5, thedispensing surface 14 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axisX and is convexly curved in a longitudinal direction. However, inalternate embodiments, the dispensing surface 14 may not be curved andinclined and may be of any other shape known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing surface 14 has a drop shaped surfacewith a pointed tip 13 defined at the distal end 7 b of the applicationmember 4. More particularly, a peripheral edge 16 of the dispensingsurface 14 is of a drop shape. The pointed tip 13 of the applicationmember 4 helps in reaching corners or areas of the keratinous substratewhich are difficult to reach. However, in alternate embodiments, theapplication member 4, the dispensing surface 14 may be of any othershape known in the art and the tip 13 may not be pointed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the dispensing surface 14 extends at leastup to 15% of a length of the application member 4 and at most up to 85%of the length of the application member 4. Particularly, the dispensingsurface 14 extends from the pointed tip 13 till a certain length of theapplication member 4. According to an aspect of the present disclosure,the dispensing surface 14 may extend from the pointed tip 13 up to 70%of the length of the application member 4 and has an angular span in arange of 20 degrees to 120 degrees around the central longitudinal axisX of the application member 4. More particularly, the dispensing surface14 extends from the pointed tip 13 up to 50% of the length of theapplication member 4. At least 60% of the outer surface of the distalportion 17 b of the application member 4 is the blending surface 15 andthe dispensing surface 14 extends over a remaining portion of the outersurface of the application member 4.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 5, the dispensing surface 14 is offsetrelative to the blending surface 15 of the application member 4 of thecosmetic applicator 10 because of a break in slope of the dispensingsurface 14. In various embodiments, not shown, a break in slope, adiscontinuity, an axial or angular offset may be provided between or oneither one of the dispensing surface 14 and the blending surface 15 ofthe application member 4. Thus, the dispensing surface 14 and theblending surface 15 are both shaped so that, when applying theapplication member 4 onto the keratinous substrate, the dispensingaperture 12 dispenses on the dispensing surface 14, and hence thecosmetic product can be applied onto the keratinous substrate, withoutthe blending surface 15 coming in contact with the dispensing surface 14simultaneously. Further, the applied cosmetic product onto thekeratinous substrate can be blended by using the blending surface 15 ofthe application member 4 which comes into contact with the keratinoussubstrate by turning the cosmetic package 100 by a hand of the user. Theblending surface 15 on the application member 4 blends the cosmeticproduct using swiping or patting gesture onto the keratinous substrate,which is dispensed on the dispensing surface 14. Therefore, a voluntarymanipulation of the hand of the user should be performed to turn thecosmetic package 100 in order to change the orientation thereof relativeto the dispensing surface 14 and the blending surface 15 of theapplication member 4.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the dispensing aperture 12 a in thedispensing surface 14 is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis X ofthe cosmetic applicator 10. However, in alternate embodiments, thedispensing aperture 12 a in the dispensing surface 14 may be offsetrelative to the central longitudinal axis X of the cosmetic applicator10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing aperture 12 a is round in shape.However, in alternate embodiments, the dispensing aperture 12 a may takeany shape or form so long as it provides an effective conduit todispense out the cosmetic product.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector 6 of the cosmetic applicator 10is connected to an upper portion 21 of the housing 20 to seal theopening of the housing 20. In alternate embodiments, the connector 6 ofthe cosmetic applicator 10 is connected to the housing 20 by a collar orany other part which is fixed to the housing 20. The connector 6 mayhave suitable connecting features on its outer surface or inner surfacesfor fitment to the housing 20, and wherein the connector 6 of thecosmetic applicator 10 may be coupled to the housing 20 by snap-fitment,crimping, adhesive, threads, press-fit, retaining ribs or barbs or byany other suitable attachment means.

The present disclosure is not limited by the shape of the applicationmember 4. For example as shown FIGS. 8-11, a cosmetic applicator 40according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure comprises anapplication member 42 having a distal portion 47 b that is substantiallyspherical in shape. A dispensing surface 44 is defined on a portion ofthe spherical distal portion 47 b of the application member 40 and therest of the portion of the distal portion 47 b of the application member42 is a blending surface 45. The dispensing surface 44 has an angularspan in a range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees around the centrallongitudinal axis Y of the cosmetic applicator 40 and the dispensingsurface 44 is inclined and is concavely curved in a longitudinaldirection.

Further, the dispensing surface 44 extends longitudinally on the distalportion 47 b of the application member 42 and extends at least up to 40%of a length of the application member 42 on the distal portion 47 b. Aproximal portion 47 a of the application member 42 is cylindrical inshape and comprises a flexible zone 46 comprising at least twohorizontal grooves 48 on the first face 40 a of the application member42 that comprises the dispensing surface 44 and at least two horizontalgrooves 48 on a second face 40 b opposite to the first face 40 a of theapplication member 42.

Furthermore, the application member 42 comprises a rounded tip 43 at adistal end 41 a of the application member 42, and wherein the dispensingsurface 44 does not extend up to the distal end 41 a of the applicationmember 42.

As shown in FIG. 9, a dispensing aperture 14 a is of a drop shape in thedispensing surface 44 and the dispensing aperture 14 a is coaxial withthe central longitudinal axis Y of the cosmetic applicator 40.

Moreover, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a portion orthe entire dispensing surface and the blending surface may be texturedto provide a desirable feel to a user. For example, FIGS. 12-13 show acosmetic applicator 50 according to a third embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The cosmetic applicator 50 of the third embodiment issimilar to the cosmetic applicator 10 of the first embodiment except inthat a shape and surface features of a dispensing surface 54 of anapplication member 52 of the cosmetic applicator 50 differ. The shape ofthe dispensing surface 54 is an inverse drop shape, and comprisesmultiple massaging ribs 55 formed thereon. The dispensing surface 54extends up to a distal end 51 a of the application member 52 and definesa rounded distal tip 53 at the distal end 51 a of the application member52. Furthermore, the massaging ribs 55 surround a dispensing aperture 56formed on the dispensing surface 54. The massaging ribs 55 are disposedon the dispensing surface 54 in a yin yang like fashion, however, inalternate embodiments, the massaging ribs 55 may be disposed on thedispensing surface 54 in any other manner. As shown in FIGS. 12-13, adistal portion 57 b of the application member 52 has an inclined distalend surface that defines the dispensing surface 54, and wherein the restof an outer surface of the distal portion 57 b of the application member52 defines a blending surface 59. A proximal portion 57 a of theapplication member 52 includes a flexible zone 58.

The present disclosure is not limited by a shape of the dispensingsurface 14, 44, 54 and the blending surface 15, 45, 59, and wherein invarious embodiments, the dispensing surface 14, 44, 54 and the blendingsurface 15, 45, 59 may include planar, convex, and/or concave surfacefeatures.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 20 mayhave any type of suitable dispensing means for transporting the cosmeticproduct housed in the housing 20 to the dispensing surface 14, 44, 54 ofthe cosmetic applicator 10, 40, 50. For example, the dispensing meansmay include an airless pump mechanism.

According to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, notshown here, the cosmetic product is transported through the productdelivery passageway 12 b of the cosmetic applicator 10 by rotating thehousing 20 such that the cosmetic product is dispensed through thecosmetic applicator 10 by way of a check valve comprised of a ball and aspring.

According to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, notshown here, the cosmetic product is transported through the productdelivery passageway 12 b by using a click or a reverse click operation,whereby the user may operate the cosmetic package 100 by moving thecosmetic applicator 10 relative to the housing 20 in either a clockwiseor counterclockwise direction.

According to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, notshown here, the cosmetic product is transported through the productdelivery passageway 12 b by squeezing. When pressure is applied to thehousing 20 containing the reservoir, the cosmetic product in thereservoir may be forced by the squeezing action, through the cosmeticapplicator 10 via a product delivery passageway for application to theuser's skin.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cosmeticpackage 100 is comprised of a separate cosmetic applicator 10 andhousing 20. However, in alternate embodiments, to decrease manufacturingcosts, or for any other desired reason, the cosmetic applicator 10 andsome or all of the housing 20 may be formed integrally.

According to an embodiment, the housing 20 and the cap 30 may be made ofa rigid material like glass, metal, plastic or any other material knownin the art. However, in alternate embodiments, the housing 20 and thecap 30 may be made of a flexible material like flexible polymericmaterial or any other material known in the art.

According to an embodiment and as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 20 is ofan elongated cylindrical configuration. However, in alternateembodiments, the housing 20 may be of an elongated square, polygonalconfiguration, oval, triangular, heart, or any other configuration knownin the art.

FIG. 14 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a cosmetic package200 including a cosmetic applicator 60 according to a fourth embodimentof the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 60 has resemblancewith the previous embodiments in terms of having a flexible zone, andthe cosmetic applicator 60 differs from previous embodiments as it doesnot comprise a product delivery passageway and is intended to be dippedin a receptacle of a cosmetic package. As shown in FIG. 14, the cosmeticpackage 200 associated with the cosmetic applicator 60 comprises areceptacle 207 for holding a product (not shown) and an applicatorassembly 203. The applicator assembly 203 comprises the cosmeticapplicator 60, a stem 204, and a cap 206. The cap 206 of the applicatorassembly 203 has threads 206 a which can be screwed onto threads 201,formed on a neck 205 of the receptacle 207. The cosmetic applicator 60retained at a distal end of the stem 204 for applying the product; andthe cap 206 at a proximal end of the stem 204.

In general, the use of the terms “distal” and “proximal” herein issupposed to mean that the distal side/end is the side/end facing towardsthe inside of the storage receptacle 207, whereas the proximal side/endis the side/end facing towards the removal opening of the receptacle207.

Further, the distal end of the stem 204 includes an interiorlongitudinal cavity 204 a for receiving and retaining the cosmeticapplicator 60.

Inserted in the neck 205 of the receptacle 207 is a wiper 208 for wipingoff excess product from the applicator assembly 203.

Further, the cosmetic applicator 60 of the applicator assembly 203 maybe used to apply the product including a cosmetic or care product. Thecosmetic or care product includes viscous cosmetics, mascara, eyebrowpowder, lip gloss, hair color, skin care, under eye cosmetics,pharmaceutical and like products.

As shown in FIGS. 15-18, the cosmetic applicator 60 comprises anapplication member 62 at its distal portion and a connector 64 at itsproximal portion. The connector 64 is configured to be received andretained within the longitudinal cavity 204 a of the stem 204 (see FIG.14).

In the present embodiment, the connector 64 and the application member62 are integral, however in alternate embodiments that may be twoseparate parts. The application member 62 is designed to apply theproduct to a target surface.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, an outer surface of the application member 62is flocked. The cosmetic applicator 60 is configured to be inserted intothe receptacle 207 so as to become loaded with the product and transportthe product onto a surface where the product needs to be applied. Theapplication member 62 includes at least two opposite faces, namely afirst face 67 and a second face 68 opposite to the first face 67.

Further, the application member 62 includes a flexible zone 66 near aproximal portion thereof which enables the flocked application member 62to flex from the proximal portion during application. The flexible zone66 includes at least two horizontal grooves 67 a, 67 b which extend onthe first face 67 along a width of the first face 67 of the applicationmember 62 and at least two horizontal grooves 68 a, 68 b which extend onthe second face 68 along a width of the second face 68 of theapplication member 62.

Further, the at least two horizontal grooves 67 a, 67 b of the firstface 67 are in alignment with the at least two horizontal grooves 68 a,68 b on the second face 68 of the application member 62. The at leasttwo horizontal grooves 67 a, 67 b on the first face 67 and the at leasttwo horizontal grooves 68 a, 68 b on the second face 68 allow theapplication member 62 to flex toward the first face 67 and the secondface 68, when a pressure is exerted on the second face 68 and the firstface 67 respectively during application of the cosmetic product againstthe keratinous substrate. Particularly, the application member 62 flexesaway from a central longitudinal axis X of the application member 62 dueto the presence of the flexible zone 66 during its application againstthe keratinous substrate to exert optimum pressure during application ofthe application member 62 onto the keratinous substrate. When theapplication pressure ceases, the application member 62 automaticallyreturns to its original position.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 16,the application member 62 further comprises a third face 69 and a fourthface 70 substantially opposite to the third face 69. The applicationmember 62 is substantially inflexible toward the third face 69 and thefourth face 70 of the application member 62.

The at least two horizontal grooves 67 a, 67 b of the first face 67 andat least two horizontal grooves 68 a, 68 b of the second face 68 form atleast two pairs of opposing horizontal grooves, namely a first pair ofopposing horizontal grooves 67 a, 68 a and a second pair of opposinghorizontal grooves 67 b, 68 b.

The first pair of opposing horizontal grooves 67 a, 68 a define a firstregion of reduced thickness on the application member 62 and the firstregion of reduced thickness is defined at the proximal end portion ofthe application member 62. Similarly, the second pair of opposinghorizontal grooves 67 b, 68 b define a second region of reducedthickness on the application member 62. Thus, the at least two opposinghorizontal grooves define at least two regions of reduced thickness onthe application member 62.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the first region of reduced thickness onthe application member 62 lies adjacent to the stem 204 and has athickness less than a thickness of a portion of the stem 204 that liesimmediately adjacent to the application member 62. Preferably, the firstregion of reduced thickness has a thickness at least two times less thanthe thickness of the portion of the stem 204 that lies immediatelyadjacent to the application member 62.

The first region of reduced thickness and the second region of reducedthickness are separated axially by a portion of the application member62 which has a thickness greater than the thicknesses of the firstregion of reduced thickness and the second region of reduced thickness.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the flexible zone 66is also covered with flocking and in particularly, the two horizontalgrooves 67 a, 67 b on the first face 67 and the two horizontal grooves68 a, 68 b on the second face of the application member 62 also haveflocked disposed therein.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an entire outersurface of the application member 62 is flocked with fibers. The fibersfor flocking which may be of any commonly used material, such as nylon,polyester or any natural fiber are applied with an adhesive, such as anepoxy, to the surface to be flocked. The flocking finish to the outersurface of the application member 62 may be achieved by an appropriatelychosen known technique, such as electrostatic flocking. Preferably, theflocking process takes place in an electrostatic field, which results inthe proper orientation of the fibers. The flock on the outer surface ofthe application member 62 provides a convenient “reservoir” that canhold a small amount of the cosmetic product adequate for one or twoapplications.

In yet alternate embodiments of the present disclosure, at least aportion of the outer surface of the application member 62 may not becovered by the flock coating. According to an alternate embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the applying member 62 may or may not be flockedor partially flocked.

According to alternate embodiments (not shown), the application member62 of the present disclosure comprises more than two horizontal groovesboth on the first face 67 and on the second face 68, and wherein thehorizontal grooves on each of the first face 67 and the second face 68are uniformly spaced. However, in yet other alternate embodiments, thehorizontal grooves on the first face 67 and on the second face 68 maynot be uniformly spaced.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, through theat least two horizontal grooves 67 a, 67 b on the first face 67 and atleast two horizontal grooves 68 a, 68 b on the second face 68, a kind ofreservoir for the product may be provided in the applying member 62. Thereservoir can be of the shape of the at least two horizontal grooves 67a, 67 b on the first face 67 and at least two horizontal grooves 68 a,68 b on the second face 68 and is able to store sufficient amount of theproduct, which when using the applying member 62 can significantlyreduce the frequency of rewetting the applying member 62.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, theapplication member 62 is constituted to have an approximatelycylindrical-shape which has an inclined distal end surface. However, inalternate embodiments, the application member 62 may have any othercross-section and shape, and may not have an inclined distal endsurface.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applicationmember 62 is preferably formed of an elastomeric material e.g. in amaterial selected from the following list: elastomers; thermoplasticelastomers. However, in alternate embodiments, the application member 62may be formed from any suitable flexible material known in the art.

The first face 67 and the opposing second face 68 of the applicationmember 62 may also have different surface properties, in particularapplication properties.

According to an embodiment, receptacle 207 and the cap 206 may be madeof a rigid material like glass, metal, plastic or any other materialknown in the art. However, in alternate embodiments, the receptacle 207and the cap 206 may be made of a flexible material like flexiblepolymeric material or any other material known in the art.

According to an embodiment and as shown in FIG. 14, the receptacle 207is of an elongated cylindrical configuration. However, in alternateembodiments, the receptacle 207 may be of an elongated square, polygonalconfiguration, oval, triangular, heart, or any other configuration knownin the art.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stem 204 canhave a longitudinal axis that is rectilinear. However, in alternateembodiments, it could be curved.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the application member62 is elongated along the central longitudinal axis X of the cosmeticapplicator 62, refer to FIG. 14. The application member 62 is elongated,that is to say its extent in a direction parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis X is larger than its largest extension perpendicularlyto the central longitudinal axis X. Particularly, the largest extensionof the application member 62 in the direction parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis X by at least a factor of 1.5, more preferably isgreater by at least a factor of 2 than the greatest extension of theapplication member 62 in a direction perpendicular to the centrallongitudinal axis X of the cosmetic applicator 203.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a longitudinalaxis of the stem 204 coincides with the central longitudinal axis X ofthe application member 62, see FIG. 14. However, in alternateembodiments, the longitudinal axis of the stem 204 may not coincide withthe central longitudinal axis X of the application member 62.

FIGS. 20-25 show a cosmetic applicator 80 according to fifth embodimentof the present disclosure. The cosmetic applicator 80 is similar inconstruction to the cosmetic applicator 60 except in that the cosmeticapplicator 80 differs in shape. The cosmetic applicator 80 comprises anapplication member 82 at its distal portion 82 a and a connector 84 atits proximal portion 82 b. The connector 84 is configured to beconfigured to be received and retained within the longitudinal cavity ofa stem (not shown). The application member 82 includes a first face 87and a second face 88 opposite to the first face 87, a third face 89, anda fourth face 90 (not shown) opposite to the third face 89.

Further, the application member 82 includes a flexible zone 86 near aproximal portion 82 b thereof which enables the application member 82 toflex from the proximal portion 82 b during application. The applicationmember 82 includes at least one pair of horizontal grooves 87 a, 87 bthat extends along the first face 87 and at least one pair of horizontalgrooves 88 a, 88 b along the second face 88 of the application member 82respectively. The at least two longitudinal grooves 87 a, 87 b of thefirst face 87 are in alignment with the at least two horizontal grooves88 a, 88 b on the second face 88 of the application member 82. The atleast two horizontal grooves 87 a, 87 b on the first face 87 and the atleast two horizontal grooves 88 a, 88 b on the second face 88 allow theapplication member 82 to flex toward the first face 87 and the secondface 88.

Particularly, the application member 82 flexes away from a centrallongitudinal axis X of the application member 82 due to the presence ofthe flexible zone 86 during its application against the keratinoussubstrate to exert optimum pressure during application of theapplication member 82 onto the keratinous substrate. When theapplication pressure ceases, the application member 82 automaticallyreturns to its original position. The application member 82 issubstantially inflexible toward the third face 89 and the fourth face 90(not shown) of the application member 82.

As shown in FIGS. 20-23, the application member 82 is convexly curved inthe shape of a spoon towards a distal portion 82 a of the applicationmember 82. As shown in FIG. 20-21, the application member 82 includes aconcave cavity 85 extending along the longitudinal axis X of theapplication member 82. The cavity 85 holds the cosmetic product forapplication on to the keratinous substrate. The second face 88, thirdface 89 and the fourth face 90 (not shown) of the application member 82is deprived of the cavity 85 and is a smooth surface used for uniformblending application.

As shown in the embodiment, the cavity 85 is formed on the first face 87of the application member 82 and is preferably oval in shape, the cavity85 extends in an inclined surface on the first face 87. The oval shapedcavity 85 extends from the distal tip 82 c of the application member 82on the first face 87 and covers ¾ of the length of the face 87 along thelongitudinal axis X. The cavity 85 extends substantially along the widthof the first face 85 of the application member 82.

As shown in FIG. 22, a greatest width of the distal portion 82 a of thesecond face 88 of the application member 82 has is greater than agreatest width of the proximal portion 82 b of the application member82. The distal tip 82 c of the second face 88 of the application member82 is rounded. The greatest width of the distal portion 82 a is 1.5times greater than the greatest width of the proximal portion 82 b ofthe application member 82.

As shown in FIG. 23, a width towards the distal portion 82 a of thethird face 89 and the fourth face 90 (not shown) of the applicationmember 82 is reduced forming a narrower distal tip 82 c for preciseapplication. The width at the distal tip 82 c of third face 89 andfourth face 90 (not shown) of the application member 82 ranges from 0.2to 0.5 of the proximal tip 82 d of the respective faces.

As shown in FIG. 24, the distal tip 82 c of the application member 82 isrounded for precise application, for example on the corners of eyes andlips.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portionof the application members 4, 42, 52, 62, 82 may be flocked with fibers.As shown in FIG. 7, an entire outer surface of the application member 4is flocked with fibers 2. The fibers for flocking which may be of anycommonly used material, such as nylon, polyester or any natural fiberare applied with an adhesive, such as an epoxy, to the surface to beflocked. The flocking finish to the outer surface of the applicationmember 4 may be achieved by an appropriately Chosen known technique,such as electrostatic flocking. The outer surface of the applicationmember 4 before being flocked may be smooth on its entire surface.Preferably, the flocking process takes place in an electrostatic field,which results in the proper orientation of the fibers. The flock on theouter surface of the application member 4 provides a convenient“reservoir” which can hold a small amount of the cosmetic productadequate for one or two applications.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the entire outersurface of the application member 4 is covered by a flock coating 2 asshown in FIG. 7. However in alternate embodiments, at least a portion ofthe outer surface of the application member may not be covered by theflock coating, for example, the dispensing surface 14 of the applicationmember 4 may not be covered by a flock coating (not shown). In yetalternate embodiments, the outer surface of the application member maynot be covered by the flock coating as shown in FIGS. 8-12, 12-13, 15-19and 25.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the disclosure and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize thedisclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic ora care product, the cosmetic applicator comprises: an application memberdefined by a distal portion of the cosmetic applicator; a connectordefined by a proximal portion of the cosmetic applicator; wherein theapplication member includes a first face, a second face opposite to thefirst face, a third face, and a fourth face opposite to the third face;wherein the application member comprises a flexible zone at a proximalportion of the application member; wherein the flexible zone comprises afirst pair of horizontal grooves and a second pair of horizontal groovesopposing the first pair of horizontal grooves; wherein the first pair oftwo horizontal grooves extend on the first face of the applicationmember, and the second pair of two horizontal grooves extend on thesecond face of the application member; wherein the first pair ofhorizontal grooves on the first face is in alignment with the secondpair of horizontal grooves on the second face; wherein a firsthorizontal groove of the first pair of the horizontal grooves and acorresponding first groove of the second pair of the horizontal grooves,which are in alignment, form a first pair of opposing horizontalgrooves, and wherein the first pair of opposing horizontal groovesdefine a first region of reduced thickness on the application member;wherein a second groove of the first pair of the horizontal grooves anda corresponding second groove of the second pair of the horizontalgrooves, which are in alignment, form a second pair of opposinghorizontal grooves, and wherein the second pair of opposing horizontalgrooves define a second region of reduced thickness on the applicationmember; and wherein the first pair of horizontal grooves and the secondpair of horizontal grooves enables the application member to flex fromthe proximal portion of the application member during use.
 2. Thecosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicationmember is inflexible toward the third and fourth face of the applicationmember.
 3. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefirst pair of horizontal grooves and the second pair of horizontalgrooves extend in a complete width of the first face and the second faceof the application member respectively.
 4. The cosmetic applicator asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the application member is at least partiallyflocked.
 5. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein theconnector of the cosmetic applicator is configured to be attached to adistal end of a stem, and wherein a cap is retained at a proximal end ofthe stem.
 6. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefirst region of reduced thickness and the second region of reducedthickness are separated axially by a portion of the application memberwhich has a thickness greater than the thicknesses of the first regionof reduced thickness and the second region of reduced thickness
 7. Thecosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cosmeticapplicator comprises a dispensing surface, and an internal productdelivery passageway that extends from a proximal end of the cosmeticapplicator and terminates in an orifice on the dispensing surface of theapplication member.
 8. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 7,wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the distal portion ofthe application member is the dispensing surface and the rest of theouter surface of the distal portion of the application member is ablending surface.
 9. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 8,wherein the dispensing surface is offset relative to the blendingsurface.
 10. The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 7, wherein thecosmetic applicator is mounted on a neck of a cosmetic container. 11.The cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 8, wherein the dispensingsurface has an angular span in the range of 20 degrees to 120 degreesaround a central longitudinal axis of the application member.
 12. Thecosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 8, wherein the dispensingsurface extends at least up to 15% of a length of the application memberand at most up to 85% of the length of the application member.
 13. Thecosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein horizontal grooves ofthe first pair of horizontal grooves are parallel to each other; andwherein horizontal grooves of the second pair of horizontal grooves areparallel to each other.
 14. A cosmetic applicator for applying acosmetic or a care product, the cosmetic applicator comprises: anapplication member defined by a distal portion of the cosmeticapplicator; a connector defined by a proximal portion of the cosmeticapplicator; wherein the application member includes a first face and asecond face opposite to the first face; wherein the application membercomprises a flexible zone at the proximal portion of the applicationmember; wherein a plurality of messaging ribs are provided on a distalportion of the application member; wherein the flexible zone comprises afirst pair of horizontal grooves and a second pair of horizontal groovesopposing said first pair of horizontal grooves; wherein the first pairof two horizontal grooves extend on the first face of the applicationmember, and the second pair of two horizontal grooves extend on thesecond face of the application member; wherein the first pair ofhorizontal grooves on the first face is in alignment with the secondpair of horizontal grooves on the second face; wherein a firsthorizontal groove of the first pair of the horizontal grooves and acorresponding first groove of the second pair of the horizontal grooves,which are in alignment, form a first pair of opposing horizontalgrooves, and wherein the first pair of opposing horizontal groovesdefine a first region of reduced thickness on the application member;and wherein a second groove of the first pair of the horizontal groovesand a corresponding second groove of the second pair of the horizontalgrooves, which are in alignment, form a second pair of opposinghorizontal grooves, and wherein the second pair of opposing horizontalgrooves define a second region of reduced thickness on the applicationmember.
 15. A cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic or a careproduct, the cosmetic applicator comprises: an application memberdefined by a distal portion of the cosmetic applicator; a connectordefined by a proximal portion of the cosmetic applicator; wherein theapplication member includes a first face, a second face opposite to thefirst face, a third face, and a fourth face opposite to the third face;wherein the application member comprises a flexible zone at the proximalportion of the application member; wherein the flexible zone comprises afirst pair of horizontal grooves and a second pair of horizontal groovesopposing the first pair of horizontal grooves; wherein the first pair oftwo horizontal grooves extend on the first face of the applicationmember, and the second pair of two horizontal grooves extend on thesecond face of the application member; wherein the first pair ofhorizontal grooves on the first face is in alignment with the secondpair of horizontal grooves on the second face; wherein a firsthorizontal groove of the first pair of the horizontal grooves and acorresponding first groove of the second pair of the horizontal grooves,which are in alignment, form a first pair of opposing horizontalgrooves; wherein a second groove of the first pair of the horizontalgrooves and a corresponding second groove of the second pair of thehorizontal grooves, which are in alignment, form a second pair ofopposing horizontal grooves; wherein the first pair of opposinghorizontal grooves define a first region of reduced thickness on theapplication member and the second pair of opposing horizontal groovesdefine a second region of reduced thickness on the application member;and wherein the application member includes a cavity for holding acosmetic product, and wherein the cavity is a non-through cavity that isspaced away from the flexible zone of the application member.